July 18, 2011
Editor’s Note: Vanderbilt All-American Jessica Earnest is competing on Junior Team USA at the Pan American Bowling Confederation Youth Championships this week. More than 100 bowlers from 16 countries will compete in the tournament, which features two divisions, one for bowlers 20 and younger and the other for bowlers 16 and younger. Junior Team USA will compete only in the under-20 division. Complete information and live streaming are available on bowl.com.
Hello from the Dominican Republic!
I’m excited to be writing about a few firsts for myself. This is the first time I have been outside the United States. It is also the first time I have bowled in another country, flown first class and my first time trying foreign food!
The team arrived in the Dominican Republic late at night and I wasn’t able to see much during the drive to the hotel. As the team drove to the bowling center during daylight hours, I experienced somewhat of a culture shock. At every stoplight there are people selling fruit or other random items (one being phone chargers for every kind of cell phone)!
The team arrived at the bowling center and opening ceremonies were held, followed by the team’s official practice session. The singles event starts tomorrow consisting of six games.
I will try to write as often as possible to tell about my experience here in the Dominican Republic.
Adios for now!